Liquid laundry treatment composition comprising a mono-hydrocarbyl amido quaternary ammonium compound

ABSTRACT

A laundry treatment composition comprising from about 1 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of a mono-hydrocarbyl amido quaternary ammonium compound comprising the structure: 
                         
wherein R 1  comprises a C 12  to C 22  hydrocarbyl amido chain, preferably an alkenyl chain, R 2 , R 3  and R 4  are individually selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 4  hydrocarbyl, C 1 -C 4  hydroxy hydrocarbyl, benzyl, —(C 2 H 4 O) x H where x has a value from about 1 to about 10, and mixtures thereof, and wherein X −  is a anion; and from about 1 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of an anionic surfactant, wherein the laundry treatment composition provides sufficient softness and anti-static benefits without minimized formation of non-soluble flocs.

CROSS REFERENCE TO COPENDING APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No.61/075,903 to Brown et al, filed Jun. 26, 2008, the disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional methods of softening fabrics are focused on rinse addedfabric softening liquids and dryer added sheets. Conventional fabricsoftening compounds include cationic quaternary ammonium compounds(cationic “quats”) having two symmetrical alkyl or alkenyl chains withan average carbon chain length of from 12 to 18, for example, amidoimidazolinium compounds. Examples of attempts to provide softeningbenefits during the rinsing process are described in: U.S. Pat. No.5,919,751 to Bird et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,944 to Suazon et al., andU.S. Pat. No. 4,569,800 to Stanley et al.

Softening-through-the-wash compositions (hereinafter “STW” compositions)have become popular as they provide consumers the ability to softenfabrics during the wash, without waiting for the rinse process or thedryer process. Attempts to incorporate conventional cationic quats intoSTW compositions have encountered problems such as the undesirableformation of water insoluble flocs, also called precipitates. Thesewater insoluble flocs are the result of the ion pairs formed from theconventional cationic quats with the anionic surfactants of thedetergent and are known to cause composition opacity and undesirableappearance on the shelf (i.e., phase split). Moreover, these flocs canleave residues on laundered fabrics and cause stains.

Multi-compartment unitized dose pouches have been used to separate theconventional cationic quats from the anionic surfactants. Although theformation of insoluble flocs in the packaged product is minimized, thisapproach does not resolve the problem of the incompatibility of the quatand anionic surfactant; for example floes can still form in the washbath. Examples of attempts to use multi-compartment unitized dosepouches for STW purposes are mentioned in: U.S. Pat. No. 6,291,421 toAlain et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,886 to Scepanski et al.; and U.S.Patent Publ. Nos. 2007/0105739 A1 and 2005/0020476 A1, both to Wahl etal.

Recent attempts to address the incompatibility problems with theseingredients involve the use of mono-alkyl quats. While mono-alky quatsare less likely to form insoluble flocs in the presence of anionicsurfactants, mono-alkyl quats are rather expensive and are believed tobe inferior to conventional cationic quats having two alkyl chains, withrespect to softening and antistatic benefits. See U.S. Pat. No.5,466,394 to de Buzzaccarini et al., U.S. Patent Publ. No. 2005/0164905to Chawla et al., and WO 2006/072083 to Lin et al. Thus there remains anongoing search for improved STW formulations which provide effectivedeposition of a fabric conditioning active on the treated fabrics,providing desirable fabric conditioning benefits including but notlimited to softening, anti-static, and anti-microbial benefits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a laundry treatmentcomposition comprising: from about 1 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of amono-hydrocarbyl amide quaternary ammonium compound comprising thestructure:

wherein R₁ comprises a C₁₂ to C₂₂ hydrocarbyl amide chain, wherein R₂,R₃ and R₄ are individually selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄hydrocarbyl, C₁-C₄ hydroxy hydrocarbyl, benzyl, —(C₂H₄O)_(x)H where xhas a value from about 1 to about 10, and mixtures thereof, and whereinX−is a anion; and from about 1 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of an anionicsurfactant. In one embodiment, R₁ is a alkenyl chain.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a laundry treatmentarticle comprising: a water-soluble film; from about 0.05 grams to about100 grams of a laundry treatment composition in accordance with at leastone embodiment of the present invention, and wherein said laundrytreatment composition is encapsulated by said water-soluble film.

Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method ofsoftening a fabric through the wash process comprising: dispensing intoa wash bath solution from about 0.05 grams to about 100 grams of alaundry treatment composition to form a treated bath solution, saidlaundry treatment composition being in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present invention and optionally comprising from about1 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of an anionic surfactant composition; andcontacting a fabric with the treated bath solution.

Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method ofsoftening a fabric through the rinse process comprising: dispensing intoa rinse bath solution from about 0.05 grams to about 100 grams of alaundry treatment composition to form a treated bath solution, saidlaundry treatment composition being in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present invention, wherein said laundry treatmentcomposition is free or essentially free of an di-alkyl quat compound;and contacting a fabric with the treated bath solution.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a laundry treatment composition whichprovides sufficient softness, anti-static, and anti-microbial benefitswithout the water insoluble floc formation problems encountered withconventional cationic quats. It has importantly been found thatmono-hydrocarbyl amido quaternary ammonium compounds of the presentinvention are soluble in the presence of anionic surfactants at varyinglevels.

Importantly, the present laundry treatment composition is suitable foruse in a variety of laundry treatment applications (i.e. for STW orconventional rinse cycle softening), and can be used in a single ormulti-compartment unit dose in the presence of anionic surfactant. Ithas been found that laundry treatment compositions in accordance withthe present invention do not tend to form the water insoluble flocsencountered with conventional cationic quats, including symmetricdi-alkyl and mono-alkyl quats. In contrast, the present mono-hydrocarbylalkenyl quats have been found to provide enhanced or equivalentsoftening and anti-static benefits compared to the mono-alkyl quats.

Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that an ion pairis formed when cationic surfactants are in the presence of anionicsurfactant. Conventional cationic quats which are used for laundryapplications typically have symmetric alkyl chains of from about 12 to18 carbon atoms and are believed to be especially susceptible to forminghighly insoluble ion pair complexes. Unlike conventional di-alkyl quats,the mono-hydrocarbyl amido quats of the present invention avoid forminghighly insoluble complexes when in the presence of anionic surfactants.Without intending to be bound by theory, this phenomenon is believed tobe due in part to the hydrocarbyl amido chain and/or the presence of thedouble bond in the hydrocarbyl chain disrupting the crystallinity of theion pair, making the ion pairs more soluble and less susceptible toforming flocs or phase separating. The desired solubility of the quatcan be shown by the CLogP value as disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the laundry treatment composition is in liquid or gelform. In another embodiment, the laundry treatment composition is in theform of a paste, semi-solid, suspension, powder, or any mixture thereof.

Definitions:

As defined herein, “hydrocarbyl chain” includes saturated andunsaturated hydrocarbyl chains which is any univalent radical derivedfrom a hydrocarbon. Those of skill in the art will understand thathydrocarbyl chains include alkyl and alkenyl chains of varying carbonlength for example from 1 carbon to 22 carbons.

As defined here, “mono-hydrocarbyl amido quaternary ammonium compounds”or “mono-hydrocarbyl amido quats” are di-hydrocarbyl quats with onehydrocarbyl chain being longer than the other hydrocarbyl chain by atleast 2 carbons. Conversely, “conventional di-alkyl quats” are di-alkylquats wherein both alkyl chains have the same number of carbon atoms orare within 2 carbon atoms.

As defined herein, the term “ClogP” means the logarithm to base 10 ofthe octano/water partition coefficient (P). The octano/water partitioncoefficient of a composition is the ratio between its equilibriumconcentrations in octanol and water. Given that this measure is a ratioof the equilibrium concentration of a composition in a non-polar solvent(octanol) with its concentration in a polar solvent (water), ClogP isalso a measure of the hydrophobicity of a material—the higher the ClogPvalue, the more hydrophobic the material. ClogP values can be readilycalculated from a program called “CLOGP” which is available fromDaylight Chemical Information Systems Inc., Irvine Calif., USA.Octano/water partition coefficients are described in U.S. Pat. No.5,578,563.

As defined herein, “essentially free of a component” means that noamount of that component is deliberately incorporated into thecomposition.

As defined herein, “homogeneous” means that no visible phase separationis observed under the Shelf Storage Test as defined herein and/or thatsubstantially no flocs are observed under the Floc Formation Test asdefined herein.

As defined herein, “unit dose” or “unitized dose” means an amount of thelaundry treatment composition suitable to treat one load of laundry,such as from about 0.05 grams to about 100 grams, preferably from 10grams to about 60 grams, preferably from about 20 grams to about 40grams.

As defined herein, “soluble” means that the mono-hydrocarbyl amidoquaternary ammonium compound forms a non-flocculating composition whenpresent in a liquid composition containing from about 1 wt. % to about90 wt. % of an anionic surfactants.

All measurements are performed at 25° C., unless otherwise specified.

1. Mono-Hydrocarbyl Amido Quat

The laundry treatment composition of the present invention comprisesfrom about 1 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of at least one mono-hydrocarbylamido quat. In one embodiment, the laundry treatment compositioncomprises from about 5 wt. % to about 75 wt. % of said at least onemono-hydrocarbyl amido quat, or at least about 8 wt. %, or at leastabout 10 wt. %, or at least about 15 wt. %, or at least about 30 wt. %,or at least about 50 wt. %.

In one embodiment, the mono-hydrocarbyl amido quat has the structure offormula (1):

wherein R₁ comprises a C₁₂ to C₂₂ hydrocarbyl amido chain, wherein R₂,R₃ and R₄ are individually selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄hydrocarbyl, C₁-C₄ hydroxy hydrocarbyl, benzyl, —(C2H4O)_(x)H where xhas a value from about 1 to about 10, alternatively from about 2 toabout 5, and mixtures thereof, and wherein X⁻ is a anion, examples ofsuitable anions include Br—, Cl—, I—, OSO₃CH₃—. In one embodiment, R₁ isa C₁₂ to C₂₂ alkenyl amido chain.

One example of a mono-hydrocarbyl amido quat having this formula is aeurucyl amidopropyl trimethyl ammonium compound, commercially marketedunder the trade name of Arquad® APA EE by Akzo Nobel Co. One example isas follows:

In one embodiment, the mono-hydrocarbyl amido quat has a ClogP of fromabout 4 to about 9, alternatively from about 6 to about 8. Eurucylamidopropyl trimethyl ammonium compound is known to have a ClogP ofabout 6.1.

Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that a ClogP ofthe present range is comparatively more water soluble than a ClogP above9 and less water soluble than a ClogP below 4. A ClogP below 4 is toowater soluble to form the coacervate as described below. It has beenfound that the ClogP range of the present invention provides both watersolubility capabilities and coacervate forming capabilities desired forsuitable fabric conditioning benefits.

Cationic quats have been considered to perform most efficiently forsoftness and static performance when added in the rinse cycle. Withinthis class of compounds, cationic quats having ClogP from about 4 toabout 9 are believed to be more efficient at providing softness andantistatic benefits when added to the wash and/or rinse cycle. In oneembodiment, the mono-hydrocarbyl amido quat of the present inventionprovides the same softness and/or antistatic benefits at a substantiallyreduced the level as a symmetric di-alkyl quat, such as about 10% less,or about 30% less or up to about 50% less. The asymmetric nature of themono-hydrocarbyl amido quat, believed to be a result of the amido groupand/or the R₁ alkenyl group, is believed to contribute to the ability ofthe mono-hydrocarbyl amido quat to interact with the anionic surfactantcreating a coascervate complex. In one embodiment, the coacervate iswater soluble. It is believed that the formation of the coacervatecomplex facilitates the deposition of the mono-hydrocarbyl amido quatonto fabrics.

In one embodiment, the weight ratio of anionic surfactant tomono-hydrocarbyl amido quat is from about 3:1 to about 20:1,alternatively from about 2:1 to about 10:1.

In one embodiment, the present invention is free or essentially free ofany di-alkyl quat. In another embodiment, the laundry treatmentcomposition is free or essentially free of any cationic surfactant nothaving a structure of formula (1) as disclosed herein. In yet anotherembodiment, the present invention is free or essentially free of anamido imidazolinium compound.

2. Anionic Surfactant

In one embodiment, the surfactant component herein includes from about 1wt. % to about 90 wt. %, alternatively from about 5% to about 50%,alternatively from about 10% to about 40%, by weight of the detergentcomposition, of an anionic surfactant.

In one embodiment, the anionic surfactant comprises a C₁₀-C₁₈ alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant; a C₁₀-C₂₀ branched-chain and random alkylsulfate surfactant; a C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl alkoxy sulfate surfactant, having anaverage degree of alkoxylation of from 1 to 30, wherein the alkoxycomprises a C₁ to C₄ chain and mixtures thereof; a mid-chain branchedalkyl sulfate surfactant; a mid-chain branched alkyl alkoxy sulfatesurfactant having an average degree of alkoxylation of from 1 to 30,wherein the alkoxy comprises a C₁ to C₄ chain and mixtures thereof; aC₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl alkoxy carboxylates comprising an average degree ofalkoxylation of from 1 to 5; a C₁₂-C₂₀ methyl ester sulfonatesurfactant, a C₁₀-C₁₈ alpha-olefin sulfonate surfactant, a C₆-C₂₀sulfosuccinate surfactant, and a mixture thereof.

Suitable anionic surfactants for use herein include alkyl polyethoxylatesulfates, and may contain other non-soap anionic surfactants, ormixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the anionic surfactant comprisesless than about 6 wt. % of an alkyl benzene sulfonate.

Useful anionic surfactants include the water-soluble salts, particularlythe alkali metal, ammonium and alkylolammonium (e.g.,monoethanolammonium or triethanolammonium) salts, of organic sulfuricreaction products having in their molecular structure an alkyl groupcontaining from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms and a sulfonic acid orsulfuric acid ester group. (Included in the term “alkyl” is the alkylportion of aryl groups.) Examples of this group of synthetic surfactantsare the alkyl sulfates, especially those obtained by sulfating thehigher alcohols (C₈₋₁₈ carbon atoms) such as those produced by reducingthe glycerides of tallow or coconut oil.

Other anionic surfactants herein are the water-soluble salts of:paraffin sulfonates containing from about 8 to about 24 (alternativelyabout 12 to 18) carbon atoms; alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates,especially those ethers of C₈₋₁₈ alcohols (e.g., those derived fromtallow and coconut oil); alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfatescontaining from about 1 to about 4 units of ethylene oxide per moleculeand from about 8 to about 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group; and alkylethylene oxide ether sulfates containing about 1 to about 4 units ofethylene oxide per molecule and from about 10 to about 20 carbon atomsin the alkyl group.

Other useful anionic surfactants herein include the water-soluble saltsof esters of α-sulfonated fatty acids containing from about 6 to 20carbon atoms in the fatty acid group and from about 1 to 10 carbon atomsin the ester group; water-soluble salts of 2-acyloxy-alkane-1-sulfonicacids containing from about 2 to 9 carbon atoms in the acyl group andfrom about 9 to about 23 carbon atoms in the alkane moiety;water-soluble salts of olefin sulfonates containing from about 12 to 24carbon atoms; and β-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates containing from about 1to 3 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and from about 8 to 20 carbon atomsin the alkane moiety.

The anionic surfactant can comprise analkyl polyethoxylate sulfates ofthe formula:RO(C₂H₄O)_(x)SO₃ ⁻M⁺wherein R is an alkyl chain having from about 10 to about 22 carbonatoms, saturated or unsaturated, and the longest linear portion of thealkyl chain is 15 carbon atoms or less on the average, M is a cationwhich makes the compound water-soluble, especially an alkali metal,ammonium or substituted ammonium cation, and x is from 1 to about 15. Inone embodiment, t he surfactant component of the present compositionscomprises from about 60 wt. % to about 100 wt. %, of the surfactantcomponent, of an alkyl polyethoxylate sulfate, alternatively at leastabout 70%, alternatively at least about 80%.

In one embodiment, the anionic surfactant comprises a low level of alkylbenzene sulfonates, for example less than about 6%, alternatively lessthan about 3%, alternatively less than about 2%. In one embodiment, thelaundry treatment composition is free or essentially free of any alkylbenzene sulfonates, such as linear alkyl benzene sulfonates and alkylbenzene sulfonates described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,394 at col. 3, line55-67.

Non-limiting examples of additional anionic surfactants suitable usefulherein are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,841 to Barrat et al., andU.S. Pat. No. 3,919,678 to Laughlin, et al.

In one embodiment, the laundry treatment composition further comprises anonionic surfactant. The compositions of the present invention cancontain up to about 30%, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 20%,more alternatively from about 0.1% to about 10%, by weight of thecomposition, of a nonionic surfactant. In one embodiment, the nonionicsurfactant comprises an ethoxylated nonionic surfactant. Examples ofsuitable non-ionic surfactants are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,841to Barrat et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,284,532 to Leikhim et al. It isfurther believed that the addition of a nonionic surfactant to thelaundry treatment compositions of the present invention is helpful inproviding physical stability to the detergent product, i.e., preventingphase splits and precipitation. This is particularly true forcompositions containing levels of mono-hydrocarbyl amido quat aboveabout 30 wt%, alternatively above about 50 wt. %, alternatively aboveabout 70 wt. % and/or at levels of anionic surfactant below about 30 wt.%, alternatively below about 15 wt. %, alternatively below about 5 wt.%. In one embodiment, the laundry treatment composition is free oressentially free of nonionic surfactant.

3. Soluble in the Presence of Anionic Surfactant

It has importantly been found that mono-hydrocarbyl amido quat aresoluble in the presence of anionic surfactant. It is believed thatsolubility can be measured by the relative % of phase split and flocformation which occurs over time. In one embodiment, the laundrytreatment composition has less than 10% phase split, alternatively, lessthan 5%, alternatively less than 1%, alternatively 0% phase split underthe Shelf Storage Test as defined herein. One embodiment of theinvention provides for the use of the present laundry treatmentcomposition to soften fabric in the wash and/or rinse bath solutionssuch that the bath solutions are free or substantially free from flocs.

Shelf Storage Test: Product is stored in a plastic container with lidfor 4 weeks at temperatures of 40° F., 70° F., and 100° F. This test isrun using a 6 oz container in size. At the 1, 5 and 24 hour intervals,phase stability is assessed by visual observation of any phase split. Ifthe sample has separated into visual layers at any time during theperiod of testing (total of 4 weeks), these are measured for height, andcomputed as a percent of the total sample height. The % phase split iscalculated as a volume % from the visual measurement of the total sampleheight at the start of the test and at test intervals. No phase splitmeans no top phase is observed.

Floc Formation Test: 750 grams of a dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, sodiumsalt (technical grade, supplied by Aldrich under the catalog number28,995-7) solution at about 0.02% (using water at 20°-25° C. and 12 USgpg hardness) is added to a 1 liter cylindrical jar (with a diameter toheight ratio of approx. 5 to 8). The jar is closed hermetically andshaken vigorously during 15 seconds to generate about 3 cm of foam ontop of the solution.

Following this, 5 grams of the composition to be tested is poured on thesurface of the foamed solution. The solution in the beaker is thenmanually stirred for 30 seconds at the rate of 100 rpm (with a 20 cmlong, 0.5 cm plastic spatula). One minute after the stirring thesolution is poured evenly over the surface of a USA Standard testingsieve (ASTM E11 specification No. 40, 35 mesh Tyler equivalent, opening425 micron, sieve diameter 8 inch) which has been placed in a collectingtray. The dimensions of this tray are such that at the wires of thesieve are at least 1 cm below the surface of the liquid in the tray oncethe full 750 grams of test solution has been added. The sieve issubsequently manually lifted out of the tray (kept horizontal) andinspected for the presence of flocs. The test solution is being definedas being “substantially free” from floes if the total number of visiblefloes retained on the sieve is less than 50. The test solution is beingdefined as being “free” from flocs if the number of visible flocsretained is less than 10. The filtrate is collected in an identical 1liter jar.

4. Optional Silicone Polymer

In one embodiment, the laundry treatment composition further comprises asilicone polymer, such as: a polyalkyl silicone, an aminosilicone, asiloxane, a polydimethyl siloxane, an ethoxylated silicone polymer, apropoxylated silicone polymer, an ethoxylated/propoxylated siliconepolymer, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the silicone polymeris cationic, such as where the silicone polymer is an amino functionalsilicone polymer.

Silicone polymers not only provide softness and smoothness to fabrics,but also provide a substantial color appearance benefit to fabrics,especially after multiple laundry washing cycles. While not wishing tobe bound by theory, it is believed that silicone polymers provide ananti-abrasion benefit to fabrics in the washing or rinse cycles of anautomatic washing machine by reducing friction of the fibers. Suitablepolymers for use herein are described in U.S. Patent Publ. No.2006/0217288 A1 to Wahl et al. at ¶¶ 11-27.

In one embodiment, the laundry treatment composition is a concentratedcomposition comprising from about 5% to about 90%, alternatively fromabout 8% to about 70%, alternatively about 9% to about 30%,alternatively from about 10% to 25%, alternatively from about 15% toabout 24%, polymer by weight of the laundry treatment composition. Inanother embodiment, the laundry treatment composition is anon-concentrated composition comprising from about 2% to about 30%,alternatively from about 3% to about 20%, alternatively 4% to about 10%of polymer.

Suitable silicone polymers include any known silicone comprisingcompound suitable for use in a laundry treatment composition. In oneembodiment, the silicone polymer is a polydialkylsilicone, apolydimethyl silicone (i.e. polydimethyl siloxane), or mixtures ofderivatives thereof. In another embodiment, the silicone is chosen froman aminofunctional silicone, alkyloxylated silicone, ethoxylatedsilicone, propoxylated silicone, ethoxylated/propoxylated silicone,quaternary silicone, or combinations thereof. Other useful siliconematerials may include materials of the formula:HO[Si(CH₃)₂—O]_(x){Si(OH)[(CH₂)₃—NH—(CH₂)₂—NH₂]O}_(y)Hwherein x and y are integers which depend on the mol. weight of thesilicone. In one embodiment, the silicone has a viscosity of from about500 cSt to about 500,000 cSt at 25° C. (also known as “amodimethicone”.)In one embodiment, silicone polymer has a high number of amine groups,e.g., greater than about 0.5 millimolar equivalent of amine groups areused. In one embodiment, the laundry treatment composition is free oressentially free of silicone.

5. Optional Deposition Aid

In one embodiment of the present invention, the laundry treatmentcomposition further comprises a deposition aid. In one embodiment, thedeposition aid is a cationic polymer, which can interact with theanionic surfactant to form a portion of the coacervate. As definedherein, the optional deposition aid does not include any siliconepolymer provided in the composition. While not to be bound by theory, itis believed that the coacervate sweeps up small droplets of themono-hydrocarbyl amido quat, and any other fabric benefit agents such assilicone, in the wash and helps deposit them to the fabric surface. Forexample, the use of a cationic guar gum and anionic surfactant as acoacervate may effectively increase the deposition efficiency of themono-hydrocarbyl amido quat and/or silicone polymer deposited on thefabrics from an STW composition of the present invention. The coacervatealso may help prevent the mono-hydrocarbyl amido quat or siliconepolymer from being rinsed off the fabrics in the rinse cycle.

The laundry treatment compositions herein can contain from about 0.001%to about 10%, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 5%, alternativelyfrom about 0.1% to about 2%, of deposition aid. In one embodiment, thedeposition aid has a molecular weight of from about 500 to about5,000,000, alternatively from about 1,000 to about 2,000,000,alternatively from about 1,000 to about 1,000,000, and alternativelyfrom about 2,000 to about 500,000. In another embodiment ,the depositionaid has a charge density of at least about 0.01 meq/gm., and up to about23 meq/gm., alternatively from about 0.05 to about 8 meq/gm.,alternatively from about 0.08 to about 7 meq/gm., and even alternativelyfrom about 0.1 to about 1 meq/gm.

Suitable deposition aids include amine salts; quaternary ammonium salts;derivatives of natural polymers such as some polysaccharide, gums,starch and certain cationic synthetic polymers such as polymers andcopolymers of cationic vinyl pyridine or vinyl pyridinium halides. Inone embodiment, the polymers are water-soluble, for instance to theextent of at least 0.5% by weight are soluble in water at 20° C. Inanother embodiment, the polymers have molecular weights (Daltons) offrom about 500 to about 5,000,000, or from about 1,000 to about2,000,000, or from about 1,000 to about 1,000,000, or from about 2,000to about 500,000, or from about 2000 to about 100,000. In oneembodiment, the cationic polymers have a charge density of at leastabout 0.01 meq/gm., alternatively from about 0.05 to about 8 meq/gm.,alternatively from about 0.08 to about 7 meq/gm., or from about 0.1 toabout 1 meq/gm.

In one embodiment, the deposition aid comprises a polysaccharide gum,such as Xanthan Gum; Ghatti Gum; Tamarind Gum; Gum Arabic; and Agar; acationic guar gum; and a galactomannam gums such as guar and locust beangums. In another embodiment, the deposition aid comprises a cationicpolysaccharide or starch, and derivatives thereof. Suitable cationicstarches include natural starches such as those obtained from maize,wheat, barley etc., and from roots such as potato, tapioca etc., anddextrins, particularly the pyrodextrins such as British gum and whitedextrin. Cationic starches are described in U.S. Pat. Publ. 2004/0204337A1.

Suitable cationic polymers for use as deposition aids are disclosed indetail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,492,322 at col. 6, line 65 to col. 24, line24; U.S. Patent Publs. 2003/0139312 A1 at ¶¶ 317-47 and 2006/0217288 A1to Wahl et al., at ¶¶ 61-84, section entitled “Cationic Polymers”; andin the CTFA “International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook,”Tenth Edition, Tara E. Gottschalck and Gerald N. McEwen, Jr., editors,published by The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, 2004. Inone embodiment, the laundry treatment composition is free or essentiallyfree of a deposition aid.

6. Coacervate

In one embodiment, a coacervate is formed from the mono-hydrocarbylamido quat with the anionic surfactant. In another embodiment, a portionof the coacervate is formed from said optional deposition aid. Morecomplex coacervates can also be formed with other charged materials inthe laundry treatment composition, i.e., in conjunction with anionic,cationic, zwitterionic and/or amphoteric surfactants or polymers, ormixtures thereof. It is believed that the formation of a coacervate inthe composition or in-situ during the wash and/or rinse where themono-hydrocarbyl amido quat comes into contact with anionic surfactantcarry over from the wash process assists in the delivery and depositionof the mono-hydrocarbyl amido quat onto the fabric.

In one embodiment, the laundry treatment composition comprises fromabout 0.01 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, alternatively from about 0.1 wt. %to about 10 wt. %, and alternatively from about 0.5 wt. % to about 2 wt.% of a coacervate. These percentages account only for the portion of thecoacervate formed from the mono-hydrocarbyl amido quat, the depositionaid or combinations thereof, and the anionic surfactant. The percentagedoes not any water that may or may not be associated with thecoacervate. It is surprising that such relatively small amounts ofcoacervate in the compositions of the present invention may provide sucha relatively large increase in the effective deposition to laundrytreatment active.

The laundry treatment compositions of the present invention, in oneembodiment, involve the formation of a coacervate phase. The phrase“coacervate phase” is used herein in the broadest sense to include allkinds of separated polymer phases known by the person skilled in thelaundry treatment art such as disclosed in L. Piculell & B. Lindman,Adv. Colloid Interface Sci., 41 (1992) and in B. Jonsson, B. Lindman, K.Holmberg, & B. Kronberb, “Surfactants and Polymers In Aqueous Solution”,John Wiley & Sons, 1998. The mechanism of coacervation and all itsspecific forms are described in “Interfacial Forces in Aqueous Media”,C. J. van Oss, Marcel Dekker, 1994, pages 245 to 271. One skilled in theart will readily appreciate the phrase “coacervate phase,” is also oftenreferred to the literature as a “complex coacervate phase” or as“associated phase separation.”

Where a coacervate phase is formed, the level of mono-hydrocarbyl amidoquat and/or the optional deposition aid can range from about 20% toabout 80%, alternatively from about 30% to about 80% by weight of thecoacervate phase, not including any water that might be associated withthe coacervate phase, with the balance being an anionic surfactant. Itis believed that the mono-hydrocarbyl amido quat and/or the optionaldeposition aid neutralize the negative charge from the anionicsurfactant. In one embodiment, an excess level of anionic surfactant inthe composition is provided, and may assist with dispersing the laundrytreatment composition in the wash. In one embodiment, the coacervate hasa ClogP value below the ClogP value of the di-hydrocarbyl quat and/ordeposition aid alone. This is shown by the coacervate formation in thewash as the coacervate is less soluble than the individual componentsforming the coacervate.

One skilled in the art will readily be able to identify whether acoacervate is formed, and techniques for analysis of formation ofcoacervates are known in the art. For example, microscopic analyses ofthe compositions, at any chosen stage of dilution, can be utilized toidentify whether a coacervate phase has formed. Such a coacervate phasewill be identifiable as an additional dispersed phase in thecomposition. Texture enhancing microscopy can be used such as phasecontrast and Nomarski optics to help identify a coacervate phase. Theuse of dyes can aid in distinguishing the coacervate phase from otherinsoluble phases dispersed in the composition. For example, an “AnionicRed Dye Test” may be used as described herein.

Anionic Red Dye Coacervate Identification Test: This procedure can beused to qualitatively identify the presence of the coacervate in alaundry treatment composition. The anionic Direct Red No. 80 dye willprefer to be with the cationic component of the coacervate. Thecoacervate has a distinct amorphous shape and texture from the rest ofthe matrix.

Procedure: Combine 0.5 g of 25% active Direct Red No. 80 dye powder(from Sigma-Aldrich) and 19.5 g DI water for a 0.625% dye solution. Add5 drops of dye solution to 25 g of test product and stir.

Evaluation: Centrifugation: Place 10 mL of dyed product into a 15 mLcentrifuge tube and centrifuge for 30 minutes at 10,000 rpm. (forexample, use a Beckman Ultima L-70K ultracentrifuge with SW40Ti rotor).If there is no coacervate there will normally only be 2 layers. A topsilicone layer and a bottom water/solvent layer that both contain dye.If there is a coacervate, there will be 3 distinct layers. A top whitishsilicone layer, a middle layer containing the red dyed coacervate, and awater/solvent layer at the bottom.

Evaluation under microscope: Prepare a slide of dyed product andevaluate under microscope (for example, use an Olympus BH2 microscope,20× objective, normal light source). If there is no coacervate, theappearance of spherical silicone droplets can be seen with an evenlydistributed pink hue from the Direct Red No. 80 dye. The coacervateappears as amorphous or stringy globs that are an intense red colorcompared to the surrounding matrix.

Evaluation upon dilution: Place 0.5 g of dyed product into a containerand dilute with 49.5 g DI water for a 1:100 dilution. If there is nocoacervate, the solution appears homogeneous with a uniform red colorthroughout with few/no particles seen. A coacervate will appear as smallparticles with an intense red color floating in the clear watersolution.

In one embodiment, the coacervate phase is formed prior to introductioninto the wash and or rinse process, for example, already built in thefinished laundry treatment composition. It is also suitable that thecoacervate phase is suspended in a structured matrix. In one embodiment,the coacervate phase may also be formed upon dilution of the compositionwith a diluent during the laundry treatment application, e.g. during thewash and/or rinse cycles.

In another embodiment, the laundry treatment composition contains aninsufficient amount of an anionic surfactant to form a completecoacervate. In this case some or all of the coacervate is formed in thewash cycle by interaction of the laundry treatment composition with anyanionic surfactant(s) delivered to wash cycle by the laundry detergentused. In this case, part or all of the coacervate is formed in-situ inthe washing cycle of the laundry process.

7. Perfume

In one embodiment, the laundry treatment composition comprises a perfumeat a level of at least about 0.001%, or at least about 0.01%, or atleast about 0.1%, to about 10%, or to about 5%, or to about 3%, byweight. In one embodiment, the perfume of the fabric conditioningcomposition of the present invention comprises an enduring perfumeingredients) that have a boiling point of about 250° C. or higher and aClogP of about 3.0 or higher, or at a level of at least about 25%, byweight of the perfume. Suitable perfumes, perfume ingredients, andperfume carriers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,138; and U.S.2002/0035053 A1. In another embodiment, the perfume comprises a perfumemicrocapsule and/or a perfume nanocapsule. Suitable perfumemicrocapsules and nanocapsules include those described in the followingreferences: US 2003215417 A1; US 2003216488 A1; US 2003158344 A1; US2003165692 A1; US 2004071742 A1; US 2004071746 A1; US 2004072719 A1; US2004072720 A1; EP 1393706 A1; US 2003203829 A1; US 2003195133 A1; US2004087477 A1; US 20040106536 A1; U.S. Pat. No. 6645479; U.S. Pat. No.6,200,949; U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,220; U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,920; U.S. Pat.No. 4,514,461; US RE Pat. No. 32713; U.S. Pat. No. 4,234,627.

In yet another embodiment, the fabric conditioning composition of thepresent invention comprises odor control agents. Such agents includethose described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,217: “Uncomplexed cyclodextrincompositions for odor control”, granted Aug. 24, 1999. Other agentssuitable odor control agents include those described in the following:U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,968,404, 5,955,093; 6,106,738; 5,942,217; and6,033,679.

8. Adjunct Components

-   -   a. Thickeners and Structurants

Compositions of the present invention may contain a structurant orstructuring agent. Structurants can also build viscosity to produce auseful liquid gel product form. Suitable levels of this component are inthe range from about 0% to 20%, alternatively from 0.1% to 10%, andalternatively from 0.1% to 3% by weight of the laundry treatmentcomposition. The structurant serves to stabilize the silicone polymer inthe inventive compositions and to prevent it from coagulating and/orcreaming. This is especially important when the inventive compositionshave fluid form, as in the case of liquid or the gel-form laundrytreatment compositions.

Structurants suitable for use herein include thickening stabilizers.These include gums and other similar polysaccharides, for example gellangum, carrageenan gum, xanthan gum, Diutan gum (ex. CP Kelco) and otherknown types of thickeners and rheological additives such as Rheovis CDP(ex. Ciba Specialty Chemicals), Alcogum L-520 (ex. Alco Chemical), andSepigel 305 (ex. SEPPIC). Suitable structurants are described in U.S.Patent Publ. 2006/0217288 to Wahl et al.

-   -   b. Additional Components

The laundry treatment compositions of the present invention may compriseone or more optional ingredients typically included in laundry detergentand/or softener compositions. In yet another embodiment, the compositionis free or substantially free of one or more optional ingredients.Typical optional ingredients include, but are not limited to fattyacids, clays, colorants, huing dyes, brighteners, flow aids,antibacterial agents, bleach, chelants, heavy metal sequestering agents,builders, electrolytes, malodor control agents, shape retentionpolymers, anti-abrasion agents, dye fixatives, dye transfer inhibitionagents, anti-wrinkling agents and so forth. Non-limiting examples ofsuitable optional ingredients are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,313 toCaswell et al. and U.S. Patent Publ. 2006/0217288.

9. Unitized Dosing

One aspect of the invention provides an article comprising awater-soluble film and a unitized dose of a laundry treatmentcomposition in accordance with the present invention, wherein thelaundry treatment composition comprises from about 1 wt. % to about 90wt. % of an mono-hydrocarbyl amido quat herein said laundry treatmentcomposition is encapsulated by said water-soluble film.

When a unit dose of a laundry treatment composition of the presentinvention is added to an aqueous bath in a typical automatic washingmachine basin having a volume from about 64 L to about 75 L of water,the unitized dose forms a ppm concentration which is calculated bydividing the milligrams of the active (i.e., mono-hydrocarbyl amido quatand/or silicone polymer) by the grams of water in aqueous bath. Forexample, where the laundry treatment composition is a 50 gram unit dose,said laundry treatment composition comprising 50% mono-hydrocarbyl amidoquat, the concentration of mono-hydrocarbyl amido quat is about 330 ppmto about 400 ppm. In one embodiment the concentration ofmono-hydrocarbyl amido quat is from about 10 ppm to about 1400 ppp,alternatively from about 50 ppm to about 300 ppm, alternatively fromabout 100 ppm to about 200 ppm.

The laundry treatment compositions of the present invention, when addedto a wash solution of a laundering process, provides a concentration ofat least about 1 ppm, or at least about 3 ppm, or from about 4 ppm toabout 50 ppm, of coacervate in the wash solution, not including anywater that may or may not be associated with the coacervate. Theselevels of coacervate are suitable to provide an effective level toprovide a noticeable softness benefit. Higher coacervate concentrationscould provide more softness, but could also possibly create cleaningand/or whiteness maintenance negatives in the laundry washing processand unnecessary cost. A typical wash solution of a laundering processhas a volume of about 64 liters.

In one embodiment, the water-soluble film forms a single compartmentpouch. Where the article is in the form of a single compartment pouch,the laundry treatment composition can optionally further comprise fromabout 1 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of an anionic surfactant.

In another embodiment, the water-soluble film forms a multi-componentpouch. In one embodiment comprising a multi-compartment pouch, themulti-compartment pouch comprises a first compartment containing saidlaundry treatment composition comprising said mono-hydrocarbyl amidoquat; and a second compartment containing an anionic surfactant. Inanother embodiment, the first compartment contains the mono-hydrocarbylamido quat and anionic surfactant, while the second compartment containsa conventional di-alkyl quaternary ammonium compound or any otherconventional softener active known in the art.

-   -   a. Water-Soluble Film

In one embodiment, the laundry treatment composition is contained in afilm article. The film is suitably water-soluble, i.e. made of polyvinylalcohol, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, non-wovenpolyvinyl alcohols, PVP and gelatins or mixtures be used to encapsulatethe laundry treatment compositions. Polyvinyl alcohol films arecommercially available from a number of sources i.e. MonoSol LLC ofGary, Ind.; Nippon Synthetic Chemical Industry Co. Ltd. Of Osaka Japan;and Ranier Specialty Chemicals of Yakima, WA. These films may be used invarying thicknesses ranging from about 20 to about 80 microns, or fromabout 25 to about 76 microns (being especially suitable for rapiddissolution in a cold water wash). Where larger volumes of compositionused, i.e., volumes exceeding about 25 ml, a thicker film may be used.Further, it is suitable that the films be printable and colored.

Articles such as pouches, pillows, sachets, beads, or envelopes aremanufactured by heat-sealing multiple sheets together at their edges,leaving an opening for inserting the laundry treatment composition.Examples of suitable processes for forming unit dose articles can befound in U.S. Pat. No. 6,281,183 B1, EP1126070, WO0183668, WO0183669,WO0185898, WO0183661, WO0183657, WO0183667, WO0185892, WO00208380,WO0212432, WO0220361, WO0240351, WO0183658, WO0240370, WO0160966,WO02060758, WO02060980, WO02074893, WO02057402, WO03008513, WO03008486,WO03031266, WO03045812, WO03045813, WO02060757, EP1354939, EP1375351,EP1396440, EP1431383, EP1431384, EP1340692, WO04085586, and WO 97/35537.

During the manufacture of a unit dose with a film, for example PVOH, itis useful to leave an air bubble in the pouch of a liquid composition.The air bubble is formed by slightly under filling the liquidcomposition into the pouch as it is being formed, for example, byvacuum. This helps prevent the liquid composition from contacting thesealing area of the film, for example when a second film is placed overthe first film that is holding the liquid composition. The air bubble isfrom about 0.1 ml to about 10 ml in volume, alternatively from about 0.5ml to about 5 ml. The air bubble also is a good aesthetic visual signalfor the consumer that the filled pouch actually contains a liquidcomposition. As a visual signal, the bubble should be from about 1 mm toabout 20 mm in diameter, alternatively from about 3 mm to about 10 mm.

The film article can be a single or multi-compartment pouch. A dualcompartment article, for example a dual compartment unit dose made formPVOH film, can be comprised of the same or 2 different forms, forexample a liquid/powder pouch, a liquid/liquid pouch, and a gel/powderpouch. In one embodiment, the article is a single compartment pouchwherein the mono-hydrocarbyl amido quat and anionic surfactant are bothcontained therein. In another embodiment, where the article is amulti-compartment pouch, the mono-hydrocarbyl amido quat and anionicsurfactant can be in separate compartments. In yet another embodiment,the article further comprises a conventional di-alkyl quat stored in acompartment not containing the anionic surfactant.

-   -   b. Plasticizers

For compositions intended to be enclosed or encapsulated by a film,especially a highly water-soluble film like polyvinyl alcohol, it isdesirable to incorporate the same or similar plasticizers found in thefilm into the laundry treatment composition. This helps reduce orprevent migration of the film plasticizers into the softenercomposition. Loss of plasticizers from the film can cause the article tobecome brittle and/or lose mechanical strength over time. Typicalplasticizers to include in the highly concentrated fabric softenercomposition are glycerin, sorbitol, 1,2 propanediol, polyethyleneglycols (PEGs), and other diols and glycols and mixtures. Compositionsshould contain from at least about 0.1%, or at least about 1%, or atleast about 5% to about 70% plasticizer or mixture of plasticizers.

-   -   c. Water Content

In one embodiment, where a water-soluble film encapsulates the laundrytreatment composition, the level of water in highly concentrated laundrytreatment composition is from about 0 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of water,alternatively less than about 13%, alternatively less than about 10%,alternatively less than about 5%, alternatively even about zero,alternatively from about 1 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, by weight of thecomposition. Generally, some water is useful, for example from about 8%to about 12% to prevent rigidity of a water soluble film. Higher waterlevels, however, can cause the water soluble films used to encapsulatesaid compositions of the present invention to leak or start to dissolveor disintegrate prematurely, either in the manufacturing process, duringshipping/handling, or upon storage. It has been found that a low levelof water can be desirable as medium for adding water-soluble dyes to thecomposition to give it an attractive color and to distinguish betweencompositions with different perfumes and/or added fabric care benefits,and to effectively hydrate a polymer and/or a structuring agent.

In another embodiment, the level of water in the laundry treatmentcomposition is relatively high, for example at least about 50%, or atleast about 60%, or at least about 70% water. These are generally forpackaging in a single compartment plastic bottle or container, or in adual compartment, dual pour plastic bottle or container combined withanother fabric care composition, for example, a liquid detergent orbleach.

-   -   d. Solvent

Solvents are useful for fluidizing the laundry treatment compositions ofthe present invention, and may provide good dispersibility, and in someembodiments, provide a clear or translucent composition. Suitablesolvents of the present invention can be water-soluble orwater-insoluble. In one embodiment, the laundry treatment compositionfurther comprises from about 30 wt. % to about 70 wt. % of a solvent,alternatively from about 45 wt. % to about 60 wt. %. In one embodiment,the solvent comprises a polyethylene glycol, glycerin, propylene glycol,and mixtures thereof. It is believed that where the laundry treatmentcomposition is encapsulated in a water-soluble film, higher levels ofsolvent are suitable in lower water levels.

Additional non-limiting examples of solvents include ethanol, propanol,isopropanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, t-butanol, propylene glycol,1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,1,2,3-propanetriol (glycerol), propylene carbonate, phenylethyl alcohol,2-methyl 1,3-propanediol, hexylene glycol, sorbitol, polyethyleneglycols, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,4butanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, pinacol, 1,5-hexanediol,1,6-hexanediol, 2,4-dimethyl-2,4-pentanediol,2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol (and ethoxylates),2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, phenoxyethanol (and ethoxylates), glycol etherssuch as butyl carbitol and dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, estersolvents such as dimethyl esters of adipic, glutaric, and succinicacids, hydrocarbons such as decane and dodecane, glycerine carbonate,and mixtures or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the compositionis free or substantially free of one or more of the above-identifiedsolvents. Additional suitable solvents are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,958,313 to Caswell et al. and U.S. Patent Publ. 2006/0217288 to Wahlet al.

10. Method of Use:

It has importantly been found that the present laundry treatmentcomposition is suitable for softening in the wash or rinse. Withoutintending to be bound by theory, it is believed that unlike conventionalfabric softening compositions which are typically introduced into thelaundering process after the wash cycle has completed, the presentlaundry treatment composition provides sufficient softening, antistatic,antibacterial, and other fabric treatment benefits regardless of whatcycle of the laundering process, the present invention is introducedinto.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides for a method ofsoftening a fabric through the wash process comprising: (a) dispensinginto a wash bath solution a unitized dose of the laundry treatmentcomposition comprising from about 1 wt% to about 90 wt. % of anmono-hydrocarbyl amido quat; and optionally, from about 1 wt. % to about90 wt. % of an anionic surfactant composition to form a treated bathsolution; and (b) contacting a fabric with said treated wash bathsolution. In one embodiment, at least a portion of said asymmetricdi-hydrocarbyl quat forms a coacervate when an anionic surfactant isprovided from either 1) said unitized dose of the laundry treatmentcomposition itself or 2) from the wash bath solution. Additionally,anionic surfactant can be provided from the fabric itself. In oneembodiment, the method of STW further comprises forming a coacervatein-situ in the bath solution after the dispensing step of (a) or thecontacting step of (b). In yet another embodiment, the laundry treatmentcomposition used in the method of softening a fabric through the wash isin accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. In oneembodiment, the laundry treatment composition is added into the washbasin before the wash water is added to the basin. As wash water and anyother optional laundry compositions such as detergent are added, thetreated wash bath solution is formed. The detergent can be added beforeor after the water and/or laundry treatment composition of the presentinvention. Further, fabrics can be added before, after or concurrentlywith any of the components of the wash bath or treated wash bathsolutions.

Another embodiment provides for a method of softening a fabric throughthe rinse comprising: (a) dispensing into a rinse bath solution aunitized dose of the laundry treatment composition comprising from about1 wt% to about 90 wt. % of an mono-hydrocarbyl amido quat; wherein saidlaundry treatment composition is essentially free of an amidoimidazoliunium compound, alternatively free or essentially free of aconventional di-alkyl quaternary ammonium compound to form a treatedrinse bath solution; and (b) contacting a fabric with the treated rinsebath solution. In one embodiment, at least a portion of said asymmetricdi-hydrocarbyl quat forms a coacervate when an anionic surfactant isprovided from either 1) said unitized dose of the laundry treatmentcomposition itself or 2) as anionic carry over from the fabrics orresidual wash bath solution which can stay in the wash basin when therinse bath solution is formed. In one embodiment, the laundry treatmentcomposition is added into the rinse basin before the rinse water isadded to the basin. As rinse water and any other optional laundrycompositions, such as perfumes or other optional conventional rinseadditives, are added, the treated rinse bath solution is formed.

It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation giventhroughout this specification includes every lower numerical limitation,as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein.Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specificationincludes every higher numerical limitation, as if such higher numericallimitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range giventhroughout this specification includes every narrower numerical rangethat falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrowernumerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

All parts, ratios, and percentages herein, in the Specification,Examples, and Claims, are by weight and all numerical limits are usedwith the normal degree of accuracy afforded by the art, unless otherwisespecified.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”.

Except as otherwise noted, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” mean “oneor more.”

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A laundry treatment article comprising: a. a water-soluble filmoptionally comprising a polyvinyl alcohol; b. from about 0.05 grams toabout 100 grams of a laundry treatment composition comprising: fromabout 1 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of an mono-hydrocarbyl amido quaternaryammonium compound comprising the structure:

wherein R₁ comprises a C₁₂ to C₂₂ hydrocarbyl amido chain, wherein R₂,R₃ and R₄ are individually selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄hydrocarbyl, C₁-C₄ hydroxy hydrocarbyl, benzyl, —(C₂H₄O)_(x)H where xhas a value from about 1 to about 10, and mixtures thereof, and whereinX⁻ is a anion, wherein said laundry treatment composition isencapsulated by said water-soluble film; and wherein said water-solublefilm forms a multi-component pouch, wherein said multi-compartment pouchcomprises a first compartment containing said laundry treatmentcomposition; and a second compartment containing an anionic surfactant.2. The laundry treatment article according to claim 1, wherein saidlaundry treatment composition further comprises from about 0 wt. % toabout 15 wt. % of water.
 3. The laundry treatment article according toclaim 2, wherein said laundry treatment composition further comprisesfrom about 30 wt. % to about 70 wt. % of a solvent, said solventcomprising a polyethylene glycol, glycerin, propylene glycol, andmixtures thereof; from about 2 wt. % to about 30 wt. % of a siliconepolymer, from about 0.1 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of a deposition aid; aperfume microcapsule; and from about 8 wt. % to about 50 wt. % of saidasymmetric di-hydrocarbyl quaternary ammonium compound, wherein saidasymmetric di-hydrocarbyl quaternary ammonium compound consistsessentially of a eurucyl amidopropyl trimethyl ammonium compound.
 4. Thelaundry treatment article according to claim 1, wherein said laundrytreatment composition is essentially free of a di-alkyl quaternaryammonium compound.
 5. The laundry treatment article according to claim1, wherein R₁ is an alkenyl chain.
 6. The laundry treatment articleaccording to claim 1, wherein R₂, R₃ and R₄ are individually selectedfrom the group consisting of a C₁-C₄ hydrocarbyl chain and a C₁-C₄hydroxy hydrocarbyl chain.
 7. The laundry treatment article according toclaim 6, wherein said mono-hydrocarbyl amido quaternary ammoniumcompound consists essentially of a eurucyl amidopropyl trimethylammonium compound.
 8. The laundry treatment article according to claim1, wherein said mono-hydrocarbyl amido quaternary ammonium compound hasa ClogP of from about 4 to about
 9. 9. The laundry treatment articleaccording to claim 1, further comprising from about 2 wt. % to about 30wt. % of a silicone polymer.
 10. The laundry treatment article accordingto claim 9, further comprising from about 0.1 wt. % to about 20 wt. % ofa deposition aid.
 11. The laundry treatment article according to claim1, further comprising a weight ratio of said mono-hydrocarbyl amidoquaternary ammonium compound to said anionic surfactant of from about20:1 to about 1:5.
 12. The laundry treatment article according to claim1, wherein said anionic surfactant comprises: a C₁₁-C₁₈ alkyl benzenesulfonate surfactant; a C₁₀-C₂₀ branched-chain and random alkyl sulfatesurfactant; a C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl alkoxy sulfate surfactant, having an averagedegree of alkoxylation of from 1 to 30, wherein the alkoxy comprises aC₁ to C₄ chain and mixtures thereof; a mid-chain branched alkyl sulfatesurfactant; a mid-chain branched alkyl alkoxy sulfate surfactant havingan average degree of alkoxylation of from 1 to 30, wherein the alkoxycomprises a C₁ to C₄ chain and mixtures thereof; a C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl alkoxycarboxylates comprising an average degree of alkoxylation of from 1 to5; a C₁₂-C₂₀ methyl ester sulfonate surfactant, a C₁₀-C₁₈ alpha-olefinsulfonate surfactant, a C₆-C₂₀ sulfosuccinate surfactant, and a mixturethereof.
 13. The laundry treatment article according to claim 1, furthercomprising from about 0.5 wt. % to about 95 wt. % of a perfume, saidperfume comprising: a perfume oil, at least one perfume microcapsule,and mixtures thereof.